Obama Backs Ban on Hiring Bias Against Unemployed People

President Barack Obama’s jobs bill would allow unemployed people to collect damages for discrimination when would-be employers refuse to hire them because they are jobless.

The ban on hiring bias against the unemployed would apply to companies with 15 or more employees, the New York Times reports. The proposal would also bar job ads that exclude the unemployed.

Opponents said the legislation would encourage litigation and lead to nuisance lawsuits. U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert, R-Texas, saw another impact. “This will help trial lawyers who are not having enough work,” he said.